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Restored Mele/Braddah tenor

I have just received back the above instrument. I bought it on eBay on the basis of listed photos. The seller had omitted to show a badly repaired crack on the side of the lower bout. It ended up costing me $100. I brought it to Peru where I have a friendly luthier and he did a total restoration, with the exception of refretting, which was not needed. The original had plastic overlays on the upper bouts. The rest fo fate instrument showed poor treatment or may be neglect. I am thrilled by the restoration - cost $55. The instrument is mahogany and ebony. I treated it to a new set of Grover tuners as the originals were in bad shape. I am delighted with the result.

The Braddah designation was for mahogany instruments made by Mele, I believe in the 90s. They are, I believe, all solid wood. I spoke with someone at Mele a few weeks ago and he tells me that they are quite collectable now. Mine is certainly solid wood and a delight to play, sounds good and looks good.